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Why does Spokane need a Big Box Fair Wage Ordinance? Retail/Service workers are the largest sector of low wage workers in Spokane. Initiative 2006-1 will move them into better economic stability. The ordinance requires large companies which can best afford to pay higher wages will fairly compensate their employees. A fair wage is a living wage. A living wage stabilizes families by providing more funds for health care, nutrition, utilities, clothing, education, transportation, childcare, home ownership, insurance, and savings. Families earning a living wage require less government or welfare assistance. Some large low wage employers encourage their workers to use public assistance and health care plans instead of providing adequate wages and health care. In effect, taxpayers subsidize health care for these employees. Employees earning a living wage spend their income locally which increases the community's tax base, stimulates the local economy and decreases inflation. Better economic stability contributes to reduced crime, less emergency services and stabilizes neighborhood infrastructure. Companies paying a living wage benefit from less employee turnover, lower training costs, less employee absence, and higher productivity, resulting in increased demand for their products and services. Living wage earners are better prepared to be responsible citizens, our environment, our infrastructure, thereby creating a better, more prosperous Spokane. The Spokane Living Wage Initiative before
the voters in November 2007 requires that:
All Companies
Within the City Limits of Spokane, with 95,000 Sq. Ft. or More of
Retail Area, Will Pay Their Employees the Following Percentages Of
Washington State's Minimum Wage:
135% of $7.93/hour if
Health Care is Provided = $10.71/hour
165% of $7.93/hour if No Health Care Benefit = $13.08/hour
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PJALS | ISSUES | HISTORY | CONTACT | HANDFUL | CALENDAR | SUPPORT | MEMBERSHIP Questions or Comments? Please email us at pjals@pjals.net Copyright © 2003 Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane |
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